Dubai: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has launched the '1 Million Learners' initiative as part of the DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst. The new initiative aims to equip one million individuals with knowledge in sustainability and sustainable finance by 2030. The announcement was made during the Dubai FinTech Summit, hosted by DIFC at Madinat Jumeirah.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative reflects DIFC's commitment to shaping a financial ecosystem that supports environmental and social responsibility. As economies increasingly integrate sustainability into their growth models, enhancing understanding of sustainable finance is essential to building inclusive, resilient, and future-ready societies.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, stated that DIFC is leading the way in advancing sustainability in the region. He emphasized that the '1 Million Learners' initiative is a testament to the belief that real impact begins with education. By collaborating with partners, DIFC is making sustainability knowledge more accessible and ensuring the region remains at the forefront of global sustainable transformation.
The initiative is supported by a coalition of 28 founding partners, including organizations like AICPA and CIMA, C3, Candriam, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Clean Energy Business Council, CFA Institute, and others. These partners share a commitment to advancing sustainability knowledge across sectors.
In collaboration with its partners, DIFC aims to redefine how sustainability education is delivered at scale. The goal is to equip a new generation of professionals with the knowledge to drive meaningful change.
To ensure measurable outcomes, DIFC has appointed GIST Impact as its impact partner. GIST Impact, a leader in total impact assessment, will support DIFC in evaluating the initiative's impact and communicating its progress effectively. GIST Impact's science-based methodologies align with global frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).
GIST Impact's expertise in translating social outcomes into measurable insights will help ensure the '1 Million Learners' initiative achieves scale while delivering meaningful benefits for communities, particularly in underserved regions.